Classified as a norepinephrine (noradrenaline) reuptake inhibitor, atomoxetine is approved for use in children, adolescents, and adults.[4] However, its efficacy has not been studied in children under six years old.[2] Its primary advantage over the standard stimulant treatments for ADHD is that it has little known abuse potential.[2]

The initial therapeutic effects of atomoxetine usually take 2–4 weeks to be become apparent.[1] A further 2–4 weeks may be required for the full therapeutic effects to be seen.[5] Its efficacy may be less than that of stimulant medications.[6]

There has been some suggestion that atomoxetine might be a helpful adjunct in people with major depression, especially in cases where ADHD occurs comorbidly to major depression.[7][8][9] Several randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trials found that atomoxetine was an efficacious treatment for various disorders like paediatric bedwetting,[10]binge eating disorder,[11] and is an efficacious weight loss medication.[12]

The FDA of the US has issued a black box warning for suicidal behaviour/ideation.[3] Similar warnings have been issued in Australia.[2][16] Unlike stimulant medications, atomoxetine does not have abuse liability or the potential to cause withdrawal effects on abrupt discontinuation.[2]

Atomoxetine is a substrate for CYP2D6 and hence concurrent treatment with CYP2D6 inhibitors such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or fluoxetine (Prozac) is not recommended, as this can lead to significant elevations of plasma atomoxetine levels. CYP2D6 is not very susceptible to enzyme induction.[17] Other possible drug interactions include:[2]

Antihypertensive and pressor agents, due to the potential pressor effect of indirect sympathomimetics such as atomoxetine.

Highly plasma protein-bound drugs due to the potential of atomoxetine to displace these drugs from plasma proteins and hence potentiate their adverse effects. Examples include diazepam, paroxetine and phenytoin.

Atomoxetine may be quantitated in plasma, serum or whole blood in order to distinguish extensive versus poor metabolizers in those receiving the drug therapeutically, to confirm the diagnosis in potential poisoning victims or to assist in the forensic investigation in a case of fatal overdosage.[18]

Atomoxetine inhibits NET, SERT, and DAT with respective Ki values of 5, 77, and 1451 nM.[19] In microdialysis studies, it increased NE and DA levels by three-fold in the prefrontal cortices, but did not alter DA levels in the striatum or nucleus accumbens.[20] Atomoxetine also acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist at clinically relevant doses.[21] The role of NMDA receptor antagonism in atomoxetine's therapeutic profile remains to be further elucidated, but recent literature has further implicated glutaminergic dysfunction as central in ADHD pathophysiology and etiology.[22][23]

This compound is manufactured, marketed, and sold in the United States as the hydrochloride salt (atomoxetine HCl) under the brand name Strattera by Eli Lilly and Company, the original patent-filing company and current U.S. patent owner. Strattera was approved by the FDA in 2006 for the treatment of ADHD. No generic is manufactured directly in the United States since it is under patent until 2017.[27] On 12 August 2010, Lilly lost a lawsuit that challenged its patent on Strattera, increasing the likelihood of an earlier entry of a generic into the US market.[28] On 1 September 2010, Sun Pharmaceuticals announced it would begin manufacturing a generic in the United States.[29] In a 29 July 2011 conference call, however, Sun Pharmaceutical's Chairman stated "Lilly won that litigation on appeal so I think [generic Strattera]’s deferred."[30]

In India, atomoxetine is sold under brand names including Tomoxetin, Attentrol, Axepta, Atokem, and Attentin. In Romania atomoxetine is sold under the brand name Strattera and as a money saving generic made by Sun Pharmaceuticals.

^ abRoth, BL; Driscol, J (12 January 2011). "PDSP Ki Database". Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (PDSP). University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the United States National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved 10 November 2013.